Guava shell

Guava shell, known as 'conserva de goiaba' in Portuguese, is a traditional Brazilian sweet preserve made by cooking guava fruit with sugar until it reaches a thick, jam-like consistency. It typically includes ripe guavas, sugar, and sometimes lemon juice or water to help achieve the desired texture. This beloved treat is a staple in Brazilian cuisine, often enjoyed at breakfast or as a dessert topping.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

Guava shell is high in carbohydrates due to its sugar content, providing a quick source of energy, while being low in fat and protein. It offers key nutrients like vitamin C and dietary fiber from the guava fruit, with a rough calorie ballpark of 100-150 calories per 2-tablespoon serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	280 kcal
Protein	1.5 g
Carbs	70 g
Fat	0.5 g
Fiber	5 g
Sugar	55 g
Sodium	10 mg
Vitamin C	180 mg
Potassium	600 mg
Vitamin A	800 IU
Folate	70 mcg
Magnesium	30 mg
Manganese	0.4 mg
Vitamin B6	0.2 mg
Iron	0.8 mg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, guava shell is a nostalgic comfort food in Brazil, often paired with cheese in the popular 'Romeu e Julieta' dessert combination. Nutritionally, it retains some of the guava's natural antioxidants and fiber, making it a slightly healthier sweet option compared to many processed jams.